Introduction to Engineering

"Saving Water"

The student is introduced to engineering through participation, as a member of a team, in a complete design project. The synthesis of many fields involving the laws of nature, mathematics, economics, management, and communication is required in the project. Engineering principles of analysis, experimentation, and design are applied to a real problem, from initial concept to final recommendations. The project results are evaluated in terms of technical and economic feasibility and social significance. Lectures are directed toward the problem, and experiments are designed by students as the need develops. Enrollment is limited to 64 students.

MWF at 10:00-11:05, plus Thursday (X-hour) from 12:00-12:50. The x-hour will be used for regular meetings during the first half of the course. The course also requires development of 4 project milestones - some of your presentations will need to be scheduled outside the normal class time.

ENGS 21 does not have homework assignments or examinations in the usual sense. Your grade will be based on the performance of your project team, as evidenced by four written reports and three oral presentations (white paper, project proposal, progress report, and final report) and the design and development of a prototype of a novel device, system, or process, which addresses a demonstrated need consistent with the course theme. Additional information about the milestones and the course objectives can be found in the circular "ENGS 21: Objectives and Expectations (PDF)".

As described in the circular, "ENGS 21: Project Support Services (PDF)", you will have access to the multitude of technical and administrative support services and facilities available at the Thayer School, plus a $500 discretionary budget to complete the project. Your team will also be assigned an experienced teaching assistant, who will help keep the team on track and who understands the ENGS 21 project experience.

More information about this course, including guidelines and rubrics for evaluation of the four project milestones, handouts, and links to useful information, is available at the ENGS 21 Blackboard site. You can login to Blackboard using your DND username and password. If you have registered for ENGS 21, you will see a link in your "My Courses" list.

"Anyone who designs anything to be used by humans--from physical objects to computer programs to conceptual tools--must read this book" (Sequel: "The Design of Future Things", 2007.)

Christensen, "The Innovator's Dilemma", 1995

introduces the concept of disruptive technology and how it creates an entirely new value proposition, primarily from a business perspective. (Sequel: "The Innovator's Solution", 2003.)

Gold, "The Plenitude" Creativity, Innovation, and Making Stuff, 2007

from the seemingly contradictory but complementary perspectives of the artist, scientist, designer, and engineer. How can we in good conscience accept the pleasures of creating stuff that only creates the need for more stuff? "We should be careful to make the world we actually want to live in."

Drucker, "Innovation and Entrepreneurship", 1999

the classic reference and gold standard for innovation and entrepreneurial strategies.

Dominick et al., "Tools and Tactics of Design", 2000

all around excellent textbook on team-based engineering design.

Finkelstein, "Pocket Book of Technical Writing", 2nd ed., 2005

useful guide to the art and form of technical writing.

Maxwell, "The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player", 2002

how to be a better team player.

Maxwell, "The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader", 1999

a practical guide to leadership.

McDonough & Braungart, "Cradle to Cradle", 2002

"a manifesto calling for the transformation of human industry through ecologically intelligent design"